There was a lot of hot doggin’ on the waves Saturday morning in Newport.

Literally – hot dogs riding waves.

Surfers got decked out in fun, spooky and crazy costumes at the annual Blackies Halloween Haunt on the north side of the Newport Pier, a casual get-together that brings friends and strangers together to ride party waves while spectators watch from the sand, giggling and pointing at their favorite outfits in the water.

Shawn Gallagher, of Costa Mesa, and yellow lab Hammy were a crowd-pleasing duo, with Gallagher dressed up as a big yellow bottle of mustard and Hammy sporting a hot dog outfit – until the waves ripped it off.

It was the first year Gallagher and his pup showed up for the costume gathering, and the tandem surfers took home “best duo” award.

“I didn’t expect to win anything,” Gallagher said. “I just wanted to come out and have a good time. He (Hammy) did a 360 and I heard he hung 20, but I didn’t see it. That’s him being a hot dog.”

Bridget Arthur, from Costa Mesa and a regular Blackies surfer, got up at 5 a.m. to do her elaborate make-up for her zombie mermaid costume, which her six-year-old picked out for her.

“This is the most exciting day of the year for me to show off my make-up skills,” said the hair stylist and make-up artist. “I didn’t want to get my face wet so I only took two or three waves.”

Michael Pells was one of the original members of the Blackies Classic Longboard Association, which started the event years ago. No one seems to remember exactly when it started, but many guessed about 7 years ago when just a handful of people started showing up the weekend before Halloween in costumes.

“It’s really a lot of fun, it’s just a combination of so many different people,” Pells said, a chicken sitting on his head as his costume. “It’s a family thing, it’s for the kids. They enjoy doing it.”

Organizer William Spurgeon said about 100 people paddled out in costumes. He said there’s no entry fee, and the club gives out about 33 awards, such as scariest costume, best waves and best wipeouts.

“It grows every year,” he said.

Gary Marshall watched from the sand, dressed up as Michael Jackson.

“The costumes just get crazier and the make-up work on some of these people is just unbelievable,” he said. “It’s such a turnout, as you can see by the crowd.”

On any other day, surfers get upset if others try to snake a wave. But on this day, it’s all about getting as many people as possible to share party waves for the many cameras snapping photos of the scene.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.